Franschhoek Festivals & Events 2010

Franschhoek Uncorked

Franschhoek Lions Open Gardens

Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival

4th & 5th September 2010

6 & 7 November 2010

3 - 5 December 2010

16 & 17 January: Franschhoek Outdoor Challenge

31st January: Inter Winelands Sports day

13th March: Franschhoek Vendage

27th March: Franschhoek Oesfees 2010 at Solms-Delta

14 - 16 May: Franschhoek Literary Festival

26 & 27 June: Franschhoek Affair & Franschhoek Pairings

17 & 18 July: Franschhoek Bastille Festival

4 & 5 September: Franschhoek Uncorked Festival

6 & 7 November: Franschhoek Lions Open Gardens Festival

3rd, 4th & 5th December: Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival

Make your way to the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley, over the weekend of 4 and 5 September, for the unique spring wine meander, Franschhoek Uncorked. This celebration takes place on wine farms throughout the Valley, and affords award-winning wineries - as well as the smaller hidden gems - the opportunity to ‘bloom’ as they showcase new vintages and releases, coinciding with the onset of spring.

Highly acclaimed wineries, participating in this much loved event include Allée Bleue, Boekenhoutskloof, Cabrière, Solms-Delta, Graham Beck Wines, Grande Provence, La Motte, Anthonij Rupert Wines, Môreson, Rickety Bridge, Vrede en Lust and Plaisir de Merle. Also included in the line up are some of Franschhoek’s smaller gems such as Dieu Donné, Franschhoek Cellars, GlenWood Wines, La Chataigne, Lynx Wines, La Petite Ferme, Topiary Wines and Maison. In addition select wineries will keep their visitors entertained with a range of events, whilst enjoying their fine wines.

Take in the picturesque scenery while soaking in country hospitality at its best. Wander along leisurely from farm to farm, enjoying some of live entertainment on show while enjoying fine wines and an array of delectable treats; a taste of what you can expect from South Africa’s gourmet capital.

Some of the not-to-be missed highlights at this year’s festival include: • As part of their wine tasting experience, Rickety Bridge will be offering visitors an array of delectable hot and cold tapas throughout the weekend, as well as picnics (weather permitting), live entertainment, boules in the vines and fun farm rides on their vintage Dodge truck for the kids.

• Coinciding with the opening of their new Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant, visitors to La Motte can experience a unique presentation of traditional cooking – Cape Winelands Cuisine – inspired by centuries of creativity in food. Booking is essential. Added to the mix is their new Farm Shop, perfect for wine sales, wine-related gifts and an irresistible selection of fresh, farm baked bread. The new La Motte Museum features historic aspects of the Rupert family and La Motte itself, with a room devoted to the art of Jacob Hendrik Pierneef.

• Stop over at Vrede & Lust for a unique French laundry experience, which includes a butler welcoming you at the door, a shoe cleaning service and French music provided by an accordion player. A selection of their new release wines as well as sumptuous treats, such as freshly baked breads, deep fried olives and cheeses, will also be on offer.

• It’s Fiesta time at Lynx Wines. Raised in Spain, winemaker, Dieter Sellmeyer, invites you to a fun filled weekend of tapas galore, live Spanish guitar, as well as lessons on drinking out of a traditional Spanish Porròn (leather pouch).

• At the picturesque and historic L'Ormarins - home to Anthonij Rupert Wines, visitors will experience a unique combination of both fine wine and vintage cars. Sample their new wine releases of Protea and Terra del Capo (an Italian cultivar). Classic car enthusiasts can view the extensive range of vintage cars on display, while wine connoisseurs can get a sneak peek at their gravity fed cellar and experience the esteemed Anthonij Rupert Wines at the tutored tastings.

• Master the craft of wine blending at Topiary Wines, presented by winemaker, Chris Albrecht. Relax on the lawn while enjoying live entertainment by Jo Martin, and nibbling on something from the food stall.

• GlenWood Wines invites you to join them for an unforgettable gourmet food and wine pairing experience. Included in the lineup is Bouillabaisse soup, chicken curry and Crêpe Suzettes, presented and prepared by well known culinary couple, Camil and Ingrid Haas, formerly proprietors of the Bouillabaisse Restaurant.

• Visitors to Môreson won’t be disappointed as the festival marks the official opening weekend of the Exotic Plant Company, with discounted prices on fresh-cut flowers and orchids. The food-and-wine market offers a selection of Môreson wines, including a new release from the Miss Molly range, as well as an array of fresh, local, organic produce.

• For music-lovers, there are live music extravaganzas which cater for all tastes, ranging from jazz- and blues bands to French bistro genres to fiesta Española flamenco.

An access card system will be implemented to ensure the successful running of Franschhoek Uncorked. The access cards, available directly from participating wineries on the day or through Computicket, at R80.00 each, includes a tasting glass and free wine tasting at participating wineries for the duration of the event.

Contact Winelands Experience, on 021 876 4204, for a professional shuttle service. The Franschhoek Wine Valley supports responsible drinking and driving.

So, with something for everyone, make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the various accommodation packages on offer. Come and indulge yourself as you witness the country’s gourmet capital blossom and come alive.

Please click here to read more about this event.

open gardens logo

10 spectacular gardens on show – from small to medium-sized gardens in the village to farm gardens, indigenous gardens, ‘out of town’ gardens and the gardens of Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy walking around the gardens surrounding the historic 18th century Manor House and Owner’s Cottage not normally open to the public.

In the centre of town join in the festivities provided by Franschhoek – a tea and bubbly garden, live music, a fresh goods market and our hugely successful PLANT SALE.

R100 pp for a weekend pass. Tickets available on the day in the front of the Town Hall in Franschhoek. GARDEN CLUB “group discount” for 10 people or more – R80 pp.

LIST OF OPEN GARDENS

1 MONT PELLIER, Jacqueline Crewe-Brown Upper Waterfall, Franschhoek (Past Bridge House School) An artist’s interpretation, using indigenous plant material on a rocky, inhospitable soil and sloping mountain as her canvas, with natural predators of troops of baboons and the occasional leopard. Path is fairly steep in places. Age of garden: 7 years

2 GRANDE PROVENCE Main Road, Franschhoek Founded in 1694 by French Huguenot Pierre Joubert. Lush lawns edged with dark green hedges and Crépuscule roses surround the 18th century Manor House. The Owner’s Cottage combines a sense of history with contemporary style. Enjoy viewing the well manicured garden, swimming pool and an elevated spa pool with a view across vineyards to spectacular mountains.

3 ARTEMIS HOUSE, Andrea Desmond-Smith 37 Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek A delightful garden with an interesting labyrinth, an artist’s interpretation of original plant material in a natural landscape with beautiful ponds, vibrant colours, sculptures everywhere that have the element of surprise. Age of garden: 12 years

4 LA RIVE 29 Dirkie Uys Street, Franschhoek Stunning English country garden filled with swathes of soft pinks, blues and whites. Age of garden: 16 years; new area 7 years

5 Sue Rymer 7a van Riebeeck Street, Franschhoek A delightful small garden full of colour as it makes imaginative use of a wonderful variety of plants. Age of garden: 6 years

6 Elsa & Simon Malherbe 3 Erica Street, Franschhoek This retirement garden is filled with T.L.C. It has a peaceful ambience with little corners of interest and colour and there are unusual ground covers. Age of garden: approximately 5-6 years

7 LA PROVIDENCE, Andy Higgins Middagkrans Road, Franschhoek Large landscaped garden with massed rose beds and beautiful water features.
Age of garden: 12 years

8 KLEIN CHAMPAGNE, Sabine Bosman Robertsvlei Road, Franschhoek Park-like garden, large and shaded river frontage, meandering paths and a lily covered lake. Age of garden: 8 years

9 KLEINHOF, Jacques Botha 33 van Wijk Street, Franschhoek A very different garden – no lawn, but old trees, arbours and bulb plantings. Age of garden: 1 year

10 FRANSCHHOEK MANOR, Beata & Reinhart Lechner Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek A large structured garden tumbling down to a winding river pathway. A high wrought iron rose arbour is a strong feature and the plantings are a mixture of exotic and indigenous. Age of garden: 2 years

<< Sep 2010 >>

Be sure not to miss this year’s Franschhoek ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, taking place over the weekend of the 3rd to the 5th of December, and for the fifth year running, this social calendar highlight is happening in Franschhoek.

Proving to be the ideal host for this festival, the largest of its kind in the country allowing visitors the opportunity to sample both Champagne and Cap Classique wines, Franschhoek offers visitors a unique combination of French heritage and South African winelands.

Some of France’s best Champagne will be tasted alongside the finest Cap Classiques to emerge from the wine cellars of South Africa. The winemaking method is virtually the same, so it comes down simply to the terroir and skill of the winemakers.

The centrepiece of the festival will be a grand marquee on the sprawling lawns surrounding Franschhoek’s famous Huguenot Monument, where bubbly stalls will be interspersed with stalls from the local restaurants offering delicious delicacies to match.

For more information about the festival, please contact:
Darielle Craddock
Events Manager: Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association
Tel: 021 876 2861
Email: events@franschhoek.org.za

Franschhoek Wine Valley Blog

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